13-minute read
Do We Need a Public Drug Insurance Monopoly in Canada?
In the last few months, the issue of drug insurance has returned to the forefront of public debate in Canada. Some of those speaking out on the topic have suggested replacing the current mixed public-private system run by the provinces with a fully public national pharmacare plan to make sure everyone is covered and to reduce costs. But this type of plan risks harming Canadians by limiting their access to drugs.
4-minute read
The risks that come with a national pharmacare program
The push for a national pharmacare system.
4-minute read
‘Vaping’ is not similar to smoking
Electronic cigarettes and Quebec’s Bill 44.
4-minute read
Still waiting — the Chaoulli decision, 10 years later
The timid health care reforms adopted in Quebec over the past decade.
4-minute read
Le jugement Chaoulli: un rendez-vous manqué
The timid health care reforms adopted in Quebec over the past decade.
7-minute read
Viewpoint – The Chaoulli Decision and Health Care Reform: A Missed Opportunity?
Ten years have passed since the Chaoulli decision, handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada in June 2005. The highest court in the land ruled then that when the government is unable to offer access to needed care within a reasonable time frame, the prohibition against purchasing private health insurance is a violation of the right to life and security of patients and runs counter to the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. How have waiting times in Quebec’s public health care system evolved since the Chaoulli decision?
5-minute read
Tobacco rulings and revenues: The numbers just don’t add up
Three major Canadian cigarette manufacturers are condemned by the Québec Superior Court.
2-minute read
15 milliards aux fumeurs : un jugement soit parfaitement logique, soit complètement ridicule
Three major Canadian cigarette manufacturers are condemned by the Québec Superior Court.
4-minute read
Pharmacists can help reduce health-care wait times, if we let them
The benefits to be gained by entrusting pharmacists with greater responsibilities.
12-minute read
Improving Access to Care by Expanding the Role of Pharmacists
While Quebec’s public health care system struggles to respond adequately to the needs of patients, and the cost of the system continues to rise rapidly, expanding the role of pharmacists in offering front-line services is without a doubt a step in the right direction. These increased responsibilities are likely to improve patients’ access to care and lead to savings, which the public system desperately needs.